Computer-Based Qualitative Content Analysis as an Instrument for Qualitative Meta-Analysis. The Case of the Local Agenda 21

Authors

  • Julia Schnepf Universität Koblenz-Landau
  • Norbert Groeben Universität zu Köln

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-20.3.3313

Keywords:

qualitative meta-analysis, meta-synthesis, qualitative content analysis, evaluation research, sequential steps

Abstract

We explore the concept of qualitative meta-analysis as an unconventional tool of analyzing and summarizing empirical findings of previous studies. In contrast to statistical meta-analyses and the use of meta-syntheses or systematic reviews, using qualitative content analysis for meta-analytic purposes provides an adaptable method of generating meta-knowledge about relevant relationships between the concepts and variables under research. A main advantage of qualitative content analysis as an instrument for qualitative meta-analysis is that it enables researchers to include and analyze quantitative as well as qualitative research articles. This aim can be achieved by integrating the typical sequences of quantitative and qualitative content analysis. As scientific publications are expressions of explicit and communicable knowledge, qualitative meta-analysis implies that coding units are specified on the dimension of meanings prior to the generation of the coding frame. Furthermore, the method allows for combining deductive and inductive strategies in generating the coding frame, depending on the underlying research question. We explore and demonstrate how qualitative content analysis can be adapted towards conducting a qualitative meta-analysis by exploring exogenous and endogenous factors influencing the implementation and realization of local sustainability projects. Based on this analysis we show that the meta-analyzed studies do indeed allow for statistical analysis. On the methodological level, we provide a practical example of how to conduct a qualitative content analysis for the purpose of a qualitative meta-analysis.

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Author Biographies

Julia Schnepf, Universität Koblenz-Landau

Julia SCHNEPF ist Doktorandin der Sozialpsychologie an der Universität Koblenz-Landau. Aus der Politikwissenschaft kommend, liegen ihre Forschungsinteressen bei der Messung von umweltpolitischen Wandel, der Evaluation von politischen Nachhaltigkeitsplänen und der Etablierung nachhaltiger Verhaltensweisen. Derzeit forscht sie vermehrt zu den sprachlichen und gruppenbezogenen Effekten politischer Wahlkampagnen.

Norbert Groeben, Universität zu Köln

Norbert GROEBEN ist Univ.-Prof (a.D.) für Allgemeine und Kulturpsychologie an der Universität zu Köln und Honorar-Prof. an der Universität Heidelberg. Er hat Psychologie, Germanistik, Soziologie und Philosophie studiert mit Hauptfach-Abschlüssen in Psychologie und Literaturwissenschaft. Seine Forschungsschwerpunkte liegen in der psychologischen Anthropologie (Subjektmodelle), Kognitionspsychologie (subjektive Theorien), Sprach- und Literaturpsychologie (Textverarbeitung, Lesesozialisation), Wissenschaftstheorie und Methodenlehre (sozialwissenschaftlicher "dritter" Weg) sowie Friedenspsychologie.

Published

2019-09-26

How to Cite

Schnepf, J., & Groeben, N. (2019). Computer-Based Qualitative Content Analysis as an Instrument for Qualitative Meta-Analysis. The Case of the Local Agenda 21. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 20(3). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-20.3.3313

Issue

Section

Challenges and Developments in Applying Qualitative Content Analysis